Jantar Mantar Protest: What We Know So Far After CJP March Towards Parliament Turns Tense

The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) 'Sansad Chalo' march in Delhi turned tense on Monday, July 20, as thousands of protesters attempted to move towards Parliament, leading to clashes near barricades, alleged police action and disruptions across central Delhi. The protest, which began at Jantar Mantar, was organised over alleged irregularities in public examinations and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was picked up by police during the protest, according to party spokesperson Saurav Das. However, Delhi Police later denied the claim, stating that Abhijeet Dipke had not been detained and was present on the protest stage. Abhijeet Dipke Detained During CJP's ‘Sansad Chalo’ March, Saurav Das Alleges; Delhi Police Denies.

CJP Alleges Police Action

Delhi Police Denies Detention

What Happened At Jantar Mantar And Parliament Route?

According to PTI, security forces allegedly resorted to a baton-charge near Parliament Street after protesters allegedly tried to breach barricades while marching towards Parliament.

At around 11.25 am, protesters attempted to push through multiple barricades placed in the high-security zone, following which a scuffle-like situation developed. Some protesters and police personnel sustained minor injuries, PTI reported. Jantar Mantar Protest: Heavy Security Deployed as CJP Plans Parliament March During Monsoon Session (Watch Videos).

Police and paramilitary personnel were deployed in large numbers across central Delhi to maintain law and order and prevent protesters from crossing security barriers.

Abhijeet Dipke's Detention Claim And Police Response

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said founder Abhijeet Dipke was picked up by police during the march. Dipke had earlier ended his hunger strike after the CJP said the father of NEET student Riya Thapa, who died by suicide, persuaded him to end the fast and lead the march towards Parliament.

Delhi Police, however, rejected reports of Dipke's detention. "Misleading reports are currently circulating on various social media platforms claiming that Abhijit Dipke has been detained by the Delhi Police. It is formally clarified that these allegations are entirely false and he is available on stage," the police statement said.

Delhi Police also said: “Some segments from media have mentioned sporadic use of violence/detentions at Jantar Mantar by Delhi Police. It is informed that no such incident has taken place and protest is being handled professionally. All are requested not to fall prey to any rumour/ misgivings and to assist Delhi Police in maintaining peace and public order at and around the site.”

Protesters Detained, Tear Gas Used

According to PTI, at least seven CJP protesters were detained near the Reserve Bank of India area close to Parliament. Security forces also fired tear gas shells near Shastri Bhawan after groups of protesters allegedly tried to break through barricades while moving towards Jantar Mantar to participate in the march, PTI reported.

The CJP alleged that police used excessive force against demonstrators. Saurav Das urged Members of Parliament to support students participating in the protest.

Delhi Metro Stations Shut

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) temporarily shut five stations, including Rajiv Chowk, as a precautionary measure amid the CJP march towards Parliament. The closures affected commuters and also made it difficult for some protesters to reach the protest venue.

CJP Delegation Meets JP Nadda

Amid the protest, CJP representatives met BJP president and Union minister JP Nadda. Saurav Das said he and Ashutosh Ranka waited for more than two hours before meeting Nadda at his residence for around 10 minutes. He said the delegation submitted a written memorandum outlining its demands. According to Das, Nadda assured them that he would discuss the issues internally.

JP Nadda Assures He Would Discuss Issue Internally: CJP

Sonam Wangchuk Seeks Permission To Join March

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, requested permission to leave the hospital temporarily to participate in the "Sansad Chalo" march.

In a handwritten letter addressed to the medical superintendent, Wangchuk wrote: "This is to state that I am feeling very fine today and my health parameters are also showing as quite normal. Hence, I request you to kindly allow me to leave the hospital, even if temporarily, so that I can join the March to the Parliament - Sansad Chalo this morning."

"I shall be most grateful," the letter dated July 20 said. His team shared the letter on X, saying he was "trying hard" to join the protesters.

Shall Be Grateful: Sonam Wangchuk

Delhi High Court Seeks Wangchuk's Medical Reports

The Delhi High Court on Monday asked Safdarjung Hospital to submit Sonam Wangchuk's pathological reports and health bulletins while hearing a plea by his wife Gitanjali Angmo seeking his transfer to a private facility.

"The report should include today's sample analysis", said the bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia. The court will take a decision on the plea after reviewing the medical information.

Wangchuk has alleged that he was under "illegal detention" at Safdarjung Hospital and claimed that his "freedom of movement, speech and all communication are restricted." Police have maintained that he was shifted to the hospital on medical grounds after his health deteriorated.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 20, 2026 05:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).